Ernest Elmore Burnett

Ernest Elmore Burnett, age 88, went to meet his maker on March 5, 2019. He was born in Mobile, Alabama to Zoie Walker Burnett and Ernest Elmore Burnett, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Joe Pierce (Dawn). He is survived by his beloved wife, Henrie Etta; one sister, Zoie Jean Pierce (John); two cherished daughters, Amie Burnett (Federico Martinez) and Laura Lee Cushing (Steven); four grandchildren, two great-granddaughters; one nephew, Jon Pierce (Adriene) and many other nieces and nephews who looked up to him as a wonderful mentor. He was affectionately known by his family as “Double E”. Ernie’s mother, Zoie Walker Burnett graduated from the old Mobile General with an R.N. diploma in nursing and his father worked for the L&N Railroad as conductor on the Humming Bird which ran from Mobile to New Orleans. His family lived on Church St. and he attended Leinkauf Elementary School. He graduated from Murphy High School in 1949 and was president of Phi Sigma Chi fraternity. Ernie attended the Citadel for one year before leaving to join the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in England at Sculthorpe Royal Air Force Base for three years where he had top secret clearance to work on atomic bombs. After discharge from the Air Force, he earned a degree in Business Administration from Springhill College. After college, he went on to work for Hollingsworth and Whitney (later known as Scott Paper Company) and retired after 32 years of service. Ernie loved westerns and his family had a memorable trip out west in a travel trailer. His dream of becoming a cowboy was realized when he and Henrie moved to 20 acres in the community of Rosinton, Alabama. On the Double E Ranch, he raised Red Angus cattle for a number of years. Ernie did not name them nor did he eat them. He had 4 Appaloosa horses named Echo, Prancer, Kente, naughty Nokomis and 1 Quarter horse named Pistol. Ernie could remember the names of all the dogs he had in his life, as well as the little quirks that made them special. He loved them and they adored him. His last dog was a Border Terrier named Tweed. For the last five years the highlight of his week was volunteering at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. Also, Ernie was a proud member of the Greeno Masonic Lodge # 598 F. & A.M. and had been a mason since he was a young man. Ernie served God, as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in many capacities. One being the excellent caretaker of the Museum at Zion Lutheran Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Silverhill, AL. on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Paul Kinney officiating. Family members will receive friends after the service in Zion Fellowship Hall along with lunch. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL. 36619. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in his honor to Zion Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 266 Silverhill, AL 36576 or a charity of your choice.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251) 990-7775